Top 10 Best Olympus Cameras 2019 – Buyer’s Guide And Reviews

December 1, 2018 By Emma Parry

Having one of the Best Olympus Cameras could be said to be an achievement. This is because they are known for creating top quality cameras in a compact body.

Having you in mind, Olympus has a variety of cameras to fit your shooting requirements and personality.There is some for the adventurous people who might not have the leisure of time for babysitting their cameras every time.

Olympus created some cameras that are very rugged and will withstand whatever mishandling you bring upon them. This category of cameras can withstand freeze to a reasonable level, can be used underwater, and are even crush resistant. Amazing, right?

This camera manufacturer is long known for its top-notch image stabilization technology which provides blur-free and shakes free pictures and videos. That plus their TruePic image processor, and high sensitivity image sensor (high speed) give breathtaking results.

Having been in this shutter business for over seventy years, Olympus is one of the early innovators of digital cameras for consumer use. After applying the E-system (SLR system) for a while, Olympus launched the mirrorless Micro Four Thirds (PEN) system in 2009.

Even though the use of smartphone cameras seem to be taking over the use of cameras these days, Olympus found a way of introducing cameras that work like the smartphone cameras, e.g. tilting screens for selfies and group photographs.

With so many different types of cameras on the market, the question is: How do you identify the best Olympus Cameras? In this buyer’s guide, I’ll be recommending top 10 Best Olympus Cameras you can find. Perhaps, you’ll find that one you will love.

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 4K Mirrorless Camera is one of the best Olympus Camera you can get on the market. The good thing about this product is its ease of operation. Even if you are holding a camera for the first time, the on-screen guides will help you achieve the best image output. It is also one of the bests you can get because of the amazing features this camera contains.

One of such great features is its auto mode which automatically chooses the right setting for you to fit your shooting scene. This feature detects the lighting, subject and the scene which it uses to determine the best settings you need. You can also select from the camera’s six scenarios through the scene mode (SCN). With this feature, you can capture scenarios like close-ups, scenery, nightscapes, indoors, motion and people.

Furthermore, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 4K Mirrorless Camera features a 180° tilting touch LCD which allows you to get beautiful and amazing views. You can also capture low angles effortlessly when you tilt the screen to 90°. For portraits, selfies and more, this camera is suitable. Moreover, to go for the selfie mode, all you need to do is flip the screen of your camera to 180°, and you can immediately begin to shoot your selfies. There’s an on-screen shutter release which only requires a tap for you to get excellent portraits. There also is a video button to choose if you’re doing a video selfie. It might interest you to know that there are ways to make your skin tones appear much better than they are, all thanks to the e-Portrait mode.

Using Olympus PEN E-PL9 4K Mirrorless Camera will let you enjoy shake free stills and video. This is because the camera makes up for movements you make, and it does that automatically too. The result will be In-body image stabilization. Your images and videos will come out sharp even when they are handheld or shot under dim settings. With its built-in pop-up flash, there’s never insufficient lighting.

Original Accessories

√ Allows importing images to a smartphone via Bluetooth and WiFi√ Excellent image stabilization√ Very easy to operate without expertise

⊗ Touchscreen defects

⊗ Heavyweight camera

Additional Accessory

Protecting the LCD screen of your camera is not a bad idea. You can find a screen protector for the Olympus PEN E-PL9 camera on Amazon. With this accessory, you will be protecting the screen from moisture, fingerprints, oil and even UV rays.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Camera is another of the best Olympus Camera available which you might like. It is easy to operate, all thanks to the auto mode it features. With the auto mode, your camera will automatically detect scenes, movement of subjects and lighting. Afterward, it will use the ideal setting for you so that you can get the best pictures. On the screen are menu guides which you only need to touch to use. You can tap the option of photos you want to make through the mode dial.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Camera is built with metal and leather which encloses the inbuilt flashlight that comes with the camera. Because of the lightweight and compact make of this device, you can move around with it and enjoy convenience at the peak. Also, this device features image stabilization technology which ensures you get shake-free images and videos. Unlike some other cameras, this one operates silently and gives high-quality results in every situation.

Another amazing feature of this device is its ability to connect with your smart device. You can share your images and videos through the in-built WiFi. With an easy QR code setup, your Smart device and the WiFi can be connected. And, you can as well have your files on the camera instantly shared with your synced device by using the Olympus Image Share app which is free. There’s more! You can remotely control your camera with your smart device as well, how cool!

Furthermore, this camera is very suitable for capturing fast action. It features a high-speed video mode which ensures this plus a smooth slow-motion playback as well. Also, with its Ultra High Definition 4K video, you will enjoy its excellent video functionality. Not only is the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III camera a good camera for images, but it is also fantastic for video coverages too.

Additional Accessory

On AliExpress, you can get a leather camera case for your Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Camera. This case is a perfect fit for the whole body, and it has a shoulder strap too. With this accessory comes a soft inner layer which protects your camera, especially the lens and the LCD screen, from scratches and other forms of damage during use.

One of the best Olympus Camera is the Olympus Tough TG-5 Waterproof Camera. This camera is for those who love adventure and would love a rugged camera to capture moments. With this Olympus point and shoot device, you will enjoy excellent performance. Whether in low light conditions or not, the image clarity this camera offers is optimum. Also, it’s variable Macro System gives you the best when shooting close-ups. The camera allows for fast 20 fps continuous shooting while it records videos at 4k/30p.

If your adventurous life takes you underwater, then you should buy this camera. It is built for underwater use for a depth of about 50 feet. Plus, its rugged nature makes it strong enough to endure falls and crushing. Because it is hermetically sealed, the camera is dust and moisture resistant. Rain, shine or whatever weather conditions you are shooting under; your camera is very safe.

Moreover, this camera records the details of your environment by incorporating a thermometer, compass, manometer, and GPS. It does this with the aid of a Field Sensor System which also inputs the data gathered in your pictures and videos. Also, you can effortlessly share files from your camera to a smart device, all thanks to the inbuilt WiFi and OI. Track app which makes that function possible.

The image and video quality this waterproof camera produces are of high quality. There are different modes from which you will find the suitable one for your shoots. The modes combined with amazing features and settings give this camera a wonderful performance. Also, with this camera, you can hit 4K-resolution video, and it captures RAW images files as well.

With the dials and controls on the top part of this camera, you get more and quick physical control of your camera. There is a control dial that allows you to change different exposure and other settings in the menu. To access setting, features and many modes, all you need to do is press the “OK” button, and some settings will appear on the LCD screen. I’ll say this camera is a job well done as it is a good improvement on the Olympus Tough TG-4 Camera.

Apart from being one of the best Olympus Cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera contains various modern features with great sophistication. It is designed in a very classy way. Even when your eyes are off the camera, you can still operate it. This way, you don’t have to get your focus off your subject. With the OLED Viewfinder and AF tracking pad, you can use your thumb to make adjustments on the touchscreen quickly. As you do this, you do not have to take your eyes off your subject.

No matter how wide your creativity is, you can bring it to life with this device. This mirrorless camera has an impressive quality for its construction plus it gives top quality image results too. With its 5-axis image stabilization and other amazing features like the dual quad-core processor, you will be amazed by the results it produces.

Also featuring in this camera is flash shooting. What the flash shooting does is that you get to capture images as they happen. This is indeed a way to capture those important moments before they slide off. There’s more. You get to capture those moments in best quality and clarity. That is why you have the 5-Axis Image Stabilization to ensure your image doesn’t lack in clarity. While you get to capture images even when they are moving fast at a maximum of 8.5 frames per second, all thanks to the high-speed burst option. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera is a super speedy camera. Getting in to start work, focusing on the subject, capturing and playback all happen swiftly. This gives a satisfying feeling.

Additionally, you can share your experience with loved ones with the use of the camera’s inbuilt WiFi. With this feature, your files can be stored safely in your smart devices too. It also has dual SD card slots where your images and files can go.

Being compact makes the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera easy to handle; Perfect for handheld recordings. As you shoot, you can include creative effects to your recordings, amidst other modern features embedded in the camera.

Additional Accessory

For wide angle effects, you can buy the 12.5mm F 1.6 manual wide angle lens on AliExpress. This lens will serve you well for landscape photography or capture a wide scenery. If you are a travel lover, this accessory might be desirable for you.

If you want to step up from your phone’s camera to one of the best Olympus Cameras, then the Olympus PEN E-PL8 Mirrorless Camera is to go for. This camera will help you explore more about your love for photography. It contains amazing and useful features that will bring out the best quality images for you. The outlook of the camera is highly sophisticated and better than the previous model. Apart from aesthetics, its performance is outstanding too, which makes this camera a combination of good looks and quality performance.

If you are used to taking a selfie with your phone, using this camera won’t be a problem for you. It features a rear screen which could be turned to face the front. Hence you can make a self-portrait, just like you will with your phone’s front camera. With the touchscreen configuration, making self-portraits or videos will be smoother. Allow the art filters that come with this camera to inspire your creativity. There’s enough to choose from as your pictures require.

Interestingly, you can make adjustments to JPEG such as redeye correction, cropping, color saturation and shadow adjustment. And you can process RAW files beyond JPEG. You can change any image parameter and so much more. This compact camera has a sort of rounded look with leather finish. It is a very simple device for those who love the simplicity, and it stays securely in hand. The buttons and dials on the camera are very minimal while you still have full control of your camera. I’ll recommend this camera for bloggers and lovers of smartphone Cameras.

What is the point of having beautiful images and videos when you cannot share them? With the Olympus PEN E-PL8 Mirrorless Camera comes an inbuilt WiFi plus the Olympus Image Share app. These allow you to share beautiful moments with friends, family and your followers. You can share it wherever you want.

The camera comes with a modern design, and it comes in various classy colors. It has beautiful curves with the elegant leather tone on the surface. Also, it is built with topnotch metal which gives the camera a shiny look. There are various additional accessories you can also use to improve the look and function of this camera.

Additional Accessory

Protect the Olympus PEN E-PL8 Mirrorless Camera lens with a rear lens cap. You can get this accessory on AliExpress at an affordable price. With it, your lens will be protected from scratches, fingerprints, dust, moisture, etc. It attaches and detaches easily, and it has a nonslip design, all ensuring additional security for the lens.

If you desire to buy one of the best Olympus Cameras out there, the Olympus Stylus SH-3 Compact Digital Camera is reliable. It is a compact camera that produces perfect image quality. Whether you are shooting a still image or making a video, the 5-Axis Image Stabilization feature of the camera ensures quality support. Its 16-megapixel sensor produces excellent image quality. Even when shooting from a distance, this camera will capture details for you, thanks to its title-macro functionality. What’s more, you can also shoot perfect macro images with this camera.

Remote shooting and sharing of your files with your smart devices are possible because this device has inbuilt WiFi connectivity. Without the use of any physical connection, you can transfer images and videos to your smart devices. Also, this feature allows you to use your phone as a remote control for your camera.

The zoom lens that comes with this camera can be adjusted to work as a 25mm wide angle to 600mm telephoto lens; it is a 24x optical zoom lens. This camera is perfect for portraits and nightscapes as it contains nightscape modes for perfect night scenes and portrait shoots.

Moreover, Olympus Stylus SH-3 Compact Digital Camera uses a strong battery which allows you to shoot up to 380, which goes beyond the 254 average expected battery life of compact cameras. As you may already know the importance of manual exposure mode, this camera has it. It helps to ensure you get the correct exposure of portrait model that modern digit features may be unable to get right.

With this device, you can record high-quality full HD 1080p at 60 fps, and it also records 4K videos at 15 fps. It comes with an LCD screen which is a touch screen type. Through this touchscreen, you can access the settings you set the focal point and what have you. It records videos with 3840 x 2160 highest resolution at 15 fps. With this, your video will have enough details and sharp quality. It comes with a mono speaker and a stereo microphone (inbuilt).

Original Accessories

Additional Accessory

On AliExpress, you can get a camera bag to keep your camera safe. This bag is waterproof, shockproof and wear-resistant; all you need to keep your Olympus Stylus SH-3 Compact Digital Camera safe and long lasting.

Bringing back the lovely shape and style of the original pen film cameras, this Olympus PEN-F Mirrorless Digital Camera is undoubtedly one of the best Olympus Cameras a shutterbug like you should get. This camera can help improve your creative mind. This versatile product is a sleek, mirrorless micro four third piece. It combines the capabilities of an advanced level of creative control with a high-resolution focus system, thereby producing high quality and beautiful images. As it operates, this camera produces a reasonably reduced noise level and essentially low vibration.

The silver Olympus PEN-F Mirrorless Digital Camera revolves around 20.3MP Live MOS sensor coupled with TruePic VII processor which offers low noise and images of good quality. That is not all! This beautiful invention comes with a great sensitivity range of about ISO 25600. It has a distinct capability of recording full High Definition 1080p video and shooting at up to 10 fps when used with a mechanical shutter.

No doubt, this camera is for all creative shutterbugs out there who dream a lot in their creative minds. Achieving that reality is just a step away, the reality of your dream lies in discovering a rare camera that will enhance your creativity. This device is simply built, yet solid. It is a half-frame camera that offers a real pleasure in usage. It could be the rare piece that will completely change your approach to picture taking. Also, uses a maximum aperture which ranges at about f/3.5, thereby making focusing less stringent, and more flexible.

What’s more, this product is compact, lightweight and convenient. With these, you can easily keep it in your pocket and take it with you wherever you go. A high performing camera of quality dispensation, simply built to for ruggedness and durability which we rarely witness even in some recent premium listings.

Additional Accessory

Buy a handgrip for your Olympus PEN-F mirrorless camera on Amazon, and be glad you did. This handgrip will give you a more secure hold of your camera to prevent slips. Because it is made of metal, it is very stable and solid. It doesn’t cause hindrances when you want to connect your camera with a tripod. It also doesn’t give you a hard time to access the battery compartment of the camera.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Waterproof Digital Camera is another one of the best Olympus Cameras that is very rugged and super ideal for underwater use. For those whose life wraps around adventures, this camera is a must-have. It is built to withstand rough handling and Harsh weather conditions, thanks to its brawny exterior. It is highly flexible which allows you to explore your creativity as far as you wish to. Its image processing power is potent. Apart from making beautiful pictures and recording outstanding videos, you can share your wonderful adventurous experiences through the built-in WiFi and GPS.

This sturdy camera can withstand shock, dust, and crush. It can go up to 50 feet underwater as it is made waterproof. Hence, if you love diving, then you should take along this camera to capture those underwater wonders you encounter. You can use this camera in cold temperatures up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you’re not a diver or an adventurous person, you can still enjoy all the rugged features this camera has for you. Whether hanging out by the pool or the beach, you might love this camera to capture beautiful moments.

Although it is a very compact camera, its performance is outstanding. It can conveniently fit in your purse or your pocket. Its dimensions are 4.4 x 2.5 x 1.1 inches while it is 7.8 ounces in weight. It is portable and fairly weighted too. Its crushproof is up to 220 pounds which is a whole lot. This makes the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Waterproof Digital Camera is one of the toughest cameras you can get. With its sealing, the camera is protected from different elements that could make its life short.

Despite being an underground and rugged device, this camera features a flip-up high-resolution LCD. This makes it excellent for taking group photographs and selfies. You can capture scenarios that might ordinarily be impossible or difficult to capture. Whether you’re using the camera for underwater or land photography, its 21mm-105mm zoom lens is suitable.

Additional Accessory

On AliExpress, you can buy a Micro HDMI 1.0 m cable for your Olympus Stylus TG-870 Waterproof Digital Camera. The accessory will help you connect to other devices such as the TV, computer, photo printer and adapter.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera is one of the best Olympus cameras. It is a masterpiece specially built with many modern features.

This mirrorless digital camera allows you to showcase your creativity with a whole lot of features. Such features are the 5-axis image stabilization, 8.5fps sequential shooting,14 art filters, flash shooting and so on. These allow you to capture activities as they happen.

You are guaranteed of clear shots whether on bright or low light conditions, thanks to the 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor. Also, you can effortlessly use your thumb on the LCD screen to make adjustments on settings. This is possible because of the AF tracking pad and the 2.3-million-pixel OLED Viewfinder. As you adjust focus points, you don’t have to switch attention from your target.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera is elegant and beautifully built in a sleek manner that enables you to operate it without having to take your eyes off the target at all. It had a high-speed with a maximum of 8.5 frames per second burst option which allows you to capture fast-moving targets.

It has an inbuilt flash which keeps you going even in the dark and also saves you the stress of carrying about the extra load.

This digital camera produces high-quality video footage just as it produces still images with outstanding clarity. With an intuitive touchscreen that lets you adjust the settings and include creative effects to the video while you record and a smart design to ease hand-held recording, the E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera is a perfect camera for any occasion.

You can add and use lenses from the 20-strong M.Zuiko Digital lens available. These lenses prepared your camera to capture anything at any time. You may also enjoy the smart 17-millimeter f1.8 lens and 75-300 suitable for wildlife photography. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera also has inbuilt Wi-Fi connectivity which enables you instantly share images and videos with friends and family. Professional or novice, this camera is perfect for you with its special iAuto feature which reads the scene and adjusts the settings accordingly to produce quality output.

Additional Accessories

M.Zuiko Digital Lens is a useful accessory for your Olympus OM-D E-M10 II mirrorless camera. You can find this lens on AliExpress. It is a way to move away from the usual and capture more creative images and videos. It focuses fast and might be useful for this camera.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II mirrorless camera remains on top as one of the best Olympus cameras with its top-notch image stabilization system. The camera allows you to keep shooting regardless of the sufficiency of lighting, even in the dark the flash provides the light.

For years, Olympus leads when it comes to image stabilization technology; thus not leaving the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II mirrorless camera out of this quality. This camera stands out of other cameras because it has amazing features like the ultra smooth voice coil motor (VCM). The VCM ensures there is minimal to no blur when capturing or recording. Also supporting this feature is the 5-Axis Image Stabilization. Even when you shake the camera while shooting, blur-free results is what you will get.

With leading five EV steps of compensation, you can shoot sharp images in low light and capture fine and smooth video without a tripod. Another interesting feature of this device is the in-body IS which prevents image shake. And because of the IS system, your image results will have no blurs no matter what lens you use. Also, with the help of the Electronic Viewfinder, your shots will be properly composed.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II mirrorless camera is specifically designed to withstand almost any condition it is subjected to, being protected from freezing, dust, and water splash, so whether in a sandstorm or rainfall this mirrorless digital camera is the right camera to take along for shooting. What is more interesting is that the accessories of this camera are also protected by the same effect. It is portable and very light which means you get to take it around without stress. This camera also has top-notch imaging technology, with a powerful live MOS sensor, an incredibly fast touch autofocus system. Its mechanical shutter is very silent; therefore it is perfect for a discreet shot.

Furthermore, it features a variable angle touch screen with an amazing night shot, ability to change settings during recording which prevents distraction from the target, cinema-quality video output, eye level control with interactive high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a high bit-rate recording, this camera is going to provide you with an adventurous experience. It also possesses an inbuilt Wi-Fi for instant sharing of videos and images with people.

Additional Accessories

To make the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II mirrorless camera durable, you can check out this glass LCD protector on AliExpress. It is a 2x adhesive 0.3mm glass that will help you keep your LCD monitor free from damages.

Buyer’s Guide For Best Olympus Cameras

Are you seeking to buy the best Olympus cameras? Don’t worry for you are reading the right article. There are so many cameras available in recent times, but how to identify the right ones could be a little challenging. You need to pay attention to some things when buying a camera. Read on to know more.

The camera type

Because there are millions of cameras, you need to identify the specific type of camera you need. The types of cameras available are the Digital Single Reflex camera (DSLR), the Mirrorless Camera (Micro Four Thirds), the action cameras, etc. Of all the types of camera, which one is perfect for your photography needs?

What a professional photographer will be looking for in a camera might be different from eating a hobbyist is searching for. Apart from these, whether the camera will be used for what type of-of photography is very important (e.g., nightscapes, indoors, landscapes, macro photography, etc.). Find these within yourself and your area gradually getting there. If you need help figuring this out, do not hesitate to consult an expert.

The features you need

●Manual mode vs. Automatic mode: A camera with the manual mode is good because it allows you to set your camera exactly the way want for you to get the desired results. Here, you can put your creativity to play. For the automatic mode, the camera does all the work for you such as setting the aperture, the ISO, and the shutter speed. But for manual, you set them yourself. However, the choice is yours. Ensure you look carefully and be sure you buy that with the mode you want or with both modes.

●Megapixels: The larger the megapixels, the higher the image quality. Still, it is not all the time you will need a larger megapixel. It all depends on what prints you want. If you want to make 4×6 inch print, all you need is a 4MP camera to get the job done perfectly. It is as simple as that! But if you are looking to make a larger print like 12×18 inch, then you might be needing up to 20MP. It all depends on what you want to know what camera you need.

●Weight: For a traveler who will be holding the camera most of the time, it is only wise to pursue cameras with lightweight else you may get together tired and hurt yourself out of carrying such heavy metal. Since there are a whole lot of lightweight cameras out there with high performance, you need not hurt yourself. Such types are the best Olympus Cameras reviewed earlier in this article.

●Image stabilization: Sometimes while shooting, camera vibration and shakes from the human part leads to blurring images. But, with the image stabilization technology, you can get blur-free images regardless of having shaken the camera while shooting or not. You might love to have this amazing feature on your next camera.

●Weather-sealing: If you will be using your camera for outdoor shoots, it is better to buy that with the Weather-sealing body. This feature helps to protect your camera from the Harsh weather. When using your camera, you wouldn’t have to worry about dust, sunray or moisture damaging it because you know the weather-sealing is at work.

Final Words

You cannot afford to buy a new camera within short periods, that is why you should choose any of the best Olympus cameras. Those cameras are highly recommended because of the amazing features they are packed with.

As you select your camera, remember you might still be buying some accessories; hence watch your budget. Nevertheless, don’t settle for cheaply made products all in the name of inexpensive. It is better to buy a good camera once and enjoy is for almost forever. That is the best form of cheap. As far as you go for any of the best Olympus Cameras, you can never go wrong.

About Emma Parry

Emma Parry is a videographer and editor located in Singapore who always make an effort to make moodiest photo/video feasible in any given scenario,Emma is 25 years old and just passed out of film school recently. Camera equipment and photograph lighting have been all the things that talks about around Emma all the time.